Introduction
An Orange Cardamom Olive Oil Cake Recipe is a celebration of Mediterranean simplicity and sophistication. With the floral aroma of cardamom and the bright zest of fresh orange, this cake brings together rich olive oil smoothness and citrusy freshness. Each slice is tender, moist, and lightly spiced — a dessert that feels both comforting and refined.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Whether you’re planning an elegant brunch, a cozy afternoon tea, or a festive dessert table, this citrus olive oil cake delivers unforgettable flavor and texture. Let’s explore how to make this fragrant delight that captures sunshine in every bite.
Why You’ll Love This Orange Cardamom Olive Oil Cake
Aromatic & Elegant – The combination of orange zest and ground cardamom creates a warm, floral, and irresistible fragrance.
Incredibly Moist – Olive oil ensures lasting softness even days after baking.
Mediterranean Charm – Inspired by traditional olive oil dessert cakes found across the Mediterranean.
Simple Ingredients – Everything you need is already in your pantry.
Perfect for Any Occasion – Serve it at brunch, as an afternoon snack, or as a festive dessert.
Naturally Dairy-Light – Using olive oil and yogurt makes it tender without heavy butter.
Discover-Worthy Beauty – Its golden hue and delicate glaze make it stunning for Google Discover and Pinterest.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon ground cardamom
¼ teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients:
¾ cup granulated sugar
½ cup extra virgin olive oil
2 large eggs
½ cup freshly squeezed orange juice
Zest of 1 large orange
¼ cup plain yogurt (or sour cream)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional Glaze:
½ cup powdered sugar
2–3 tablespoons orange juice
¼ teaspoon ground cardamom (optional)
Ingredient Insights:
Olive Oil – Adds a velvety, fruity richness that keeps the cake moist for days.
Cardamom – A warm spice that enhances citrus notes beautifully.
Orange Juice & Zest – For vibrant, natural flavor and moisture.
Yogurt – Creates a tender crumb and balances acidity.
How to Make Orange Cardamom Olive Oil Cake Recipe
Step 1 – Preheat & Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan or line it with parchment paper.
Step 2 – Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cardamom, and salt. This ensures even texture and leavening.
Step 3 – Combine the Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk sugar and olive oil until creamy. Add eggs one at a time, whisking well. Stir in orange juice, zest, yogurt, and vanilla until smooth and aromatic.
Step 4 – Combine Wet & Dry
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Stir gently until just combined — overmixing can make the cake dense.
Step 5 – Bake
Pour the batter into your prepared pan. Bake for 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The top should be golden with a subtle citrus scent.
Step 6 – Cool & Glaze
Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a rack. Mix powdered sugar, orange juice, and a touch of cardamom for a fragrant glaze. Drizzle over the cooled cake.
Pro Tips & Expert Answers
How do I keep my olive oil cake moist?
Use extra virgin olive oil and yogurt for natural moisture retention. Store it covered at room temperature to prevent drying.
Can I substitute olive oil with another oil?
Yes, use light olive oil or sunflower oil if you prefer a milder flavor, but authentic Mediterranean taste comes from pure olive oil.
Why use cardamom with orange?
Cardamom’s floral spice complements the citrus brightness of orange, creating a layered, luxurious aroma.
Best Ways to Serve
This Orange and Cardamom Cake pairs beautifully with:
A dollop of Greek yogurt or whipped cream
Fresh berries or figs on top
A drizzle of honey or extra glaze
Hot espresso or black tea for an elegant touch
Nutrition (Per Slice)
Calories: 260 kcal
Fat: 14 g
Carbohydrates: 30 g
Protein: 4 g
Sugar: 18 g
Sodium: 150 mg
Storage & Leftovers
Room Temperature: Store covered for up to 3 days.
Refrigerator: Keeps for 5–6 days in an airtight container.
Freezer: Slice and wrap tightly; freezes well for up to 2 months.
To Reheat: Warm gently in the microwave for 10–15 seconds to restore softness.

FAQs
Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Yes — substitute with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend designed for baking.
Can I skip the glaze?
Absolutely! The cake is naturally flavorful, but the glaze adds extra citrus sweetness.
Can I use bottled orange juice?
Freshly squeezed juice is best for authentic flavor, but bottled juice works in a pinch — just choose unsweetened.
Variations to Try
Spiced Orange Olive Oil Cake: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg.
Lemon Cardamom Cake: Swap orange for lemon juice and zest.
Chocolate-Drizzled Olive Oil Cake: Drizzle dark chocolate ganache for a decadent twist.
Vegan Version: Replace eggs with flax eggs and yogurt with plant-based yogurt.
Conclusion
This Orange Cardamom Olive Oil Cake Recipe is proof that simplicity and sophistication can coexist. Every bite tells a story of Mediterranean warmth — the citrus tang, the subtle spice, and the velvety olive oil texture come together in harmony.

